Chrysler Transfers Workforce from Ohio to Michigan

Chrysler is still involved in a fierce battle with the economic slowdown and the initial cost-cutting programme seems to go on. Only that rumors are now hinting that the Sterling Heights plant, initially sentenced to closure, might keep the production lines open for two more years in order to build the two sedans (Sebring and Avenger) until Fiat arrives in the United States with new models.

A new story surfaced today informing that the US former bankrupt automaker Chrysler is looking to move 400 jobs from the Twinsburg, Ohio stamping plant to Sterling Heights and Warren, Michigan facilities. The Ohio-based plant will be closed, so the company wants to maintain production of both the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger.

Curiously, the Sterling Heights plant is projected to end production at the end of 2010 so it would not make any sense to move workers to a new facility and close it in approximately one year. Or maybe this is another sign that Chrysler is indeed considering extending production of the two sedans for two more years, until the new owner, Fiat, will bring a replacement for both of them in the United States.

Details are still in the early stage, so nobody knows for sure if Chrysler is indeed planning to extend the life of the two models. The two vehicles will remain however two disappointing models in Chrysler's line-up, with very poor sales, especially since the beginning of the economic turmoil. Compared with the segment leader, the Toyota Camry, which sold in August 238,612 units, the Sebring and Avenger together totaled 40,452 units sold.